McIntosh Heritage

Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment experience for discriminating listeners around the world. Our iconic blue Watt output meter is globally recognized as a symbol of quality home audio. With a McIntosh home stereo system or home theater, listeners have the ability to create their own luxury audio experience – and truly live their music.

McIntosh products are designed and handcrafted at our Binghamton, NY factory by our dedicated employees who share a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. Since our inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration speech to Woodstock to the famous Grateful Dead "Wall of Sound," McIntosh has not only witnessed history, we have shaped it.

1950s

In the post war economy, it was the commercial broadcast industry that allowed McIntosh to get its start. Home audio enthusiasts quickly discovered that high performance McIntosh amplifiers worked beautifully in their home audio systems. The introduction of the long play high fidelity record stimulated the need for better audio equipment.

In 1954, the MC30 (shown) and MC60 amplifiers established the chrome chassis as a featured McIntosh design element. Today’s contemporary products use polished stainless steel.

All this growth signaled the need for more space. In 1956, the company built a new building at 2 Chambers Street in Binghamton, NY. Construction took 8 months. We've remained at this location ever since, and the building has continued to grow with the company.

In 1957, the first McIntosh AM/FM Tuner, the MR55, was introduced. This marked the first audio source component and established McIntosh as a leader in radio tuner design.

1960s

The 1960s were marked by innovation and saw the advent of McIntosh’s famous front-panel illumination. The story goes that Gordon Gow suggested the front panel design and after developing our own ink, the McIntosh signature look of gold lettering in a lit room and teal illumination in a dim setting was born.
By silk screening from the back side of the glass panel, the lettering would not rub off with use. The decade ended with McIntosh amplifiers being used to power Woodstock.

1970s

In the 1970s, McIntosh grew in both product selection and new product categories. Loudspeakers were introduced along with a family of matching amplifiers, tuners, and glass faceplates and the signature blue amplifier power meters solidified the trademark McIntosh look. This was a great time for McIntosh and the audio business.

First released in 1972, the MR78 Tuner redefined the FM tuner performance. The rest of the industry rethought and refined their tuner designs in response.

The Grateful Dead unveiled the “Wall of Sound” on March 23, 1974 at the San Francisco Cow Palace. A total of 48 McIntosh MC2300 amplifiers - delivering 28,800 Watts of power - was used in this groundbreaking sound system.

McIntosh loudspeakers continued to gain popularity throughout the decade. The XR5 (shown) and XR7 speaker was the flagship model that was made to be stacked two high for big sound.

Frank McIntosh retired in 1977 and Gordon Gow became President. Gordon is shown with the powerful microscope he encouraged dealers to use to check Phono Stylus.

1980s

The 1980s brought both new challenges and opportunities. Increased competition from both domestic and imported products along with a recession stalled sales growth. McIntosh responded with new innovative designs that won over a whole new generation of customers.

1990s

The vision for the company was to expand its presence into the car audio market, and McIntosh introduced an automotive line in 1994. Innovations in the Loudspeaker division continued throughout the decade. Releases included McIntosh's first in-wall speaker system, the WS200, and the floor standing XR290 loudspeaker.

McIntosh introduces the industry's first complete THX certified system with the release of the C39 A/V Control Center, MC7106 6-Channel Amplifier and HT Series Loudspeakers.

The MC275 made its return to the McIntosh lineup in 1993 as a commemorative edition honoring Gordon Gow (1925-1989). Gow was one of the founders of McIntosh, a long time president and driving force behind McIntosh. The chassis featured a small badge on the front.

A McIntosh powered BMW car hits the road. Consumers are given a choice of amplifiers with or without meters. Amplifiers with meters are the overwhelming choice!

To celebrate McIntosh's 50th Anniversary, the MC2000 Limited Edition vacuum tube power amplifier in was released in 1999. It was designed by Sidney Corderman, who came out of retirement for the project. Enthusiasm for the model was at an all‐time high as a result.

2000s

Automotive audio OEM business turned out to be an exercise that would see McIntosh custom solutions developed for Harley Davidson, Ford Motor Company and Subaru. Advanced home audio systems are developed as interest in stereo rebounds as new product types and ways to experience McIntosh grow.

In 2001, Charlie Randall is named President & CEO - positions he holds to this day. Randall joined McIntosh in 1988 after graduating college. An electrical engineer by trade, he worked his way to VP of Engineering before becoming President & CEO.

In 2002, McIntosh developed the Harley Davidson riser mount radio. Sold through Harley dealerships, the radio could be added to many Harley models that lacked mobile audio.

The 100th anniversary Ford GT, introduced in 2003, featured a custom designed McIntosh sound system. This tribute to race winning cars of the 1960s featured a modern McIntosh sound performance.

In 2005, McIntosh launched the Reference System and rocked the industry at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The MT10 Precision Turntable system is introduced in 2007. The first McIntosh turntable, its design matches the styling and performance of classic McIntosh home audio systems.

To commemorate McIntosh's 60th Anniversary in 2009, the MXA60 Integrated Audio System was released. It was our first integrated system that featured sources, preamplifier, amplifier and speakers all in one unit.

2010s

McIntosh's 7th decade of delivering high performance, luxury audio systems started off with a combination of nostalgia and forward thinking.
We paid homage to our roots by sponsoring a Grateful Dead exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame while at the same time embracing digital and wireless music advances.

AP1 is the first McIntosh application for iPad, iPhone and iPod. Now users may enjoy the traditional McIntosh user interface when they operate their Apple iTunes device.

In 2012, McIntosh sponsored a nearly year long exhibit on The Grateful Dead at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Most band members kept their McIntosh MC2300 amplifiers from the famed "Wall of Sound." Some were loaned by the band members to the Hall of Fame for the exhibit.

The first McIntosh Experience Center opened. Located in various dealer showrooms, they provide a way to see how a McIntosh system would look in a home setting.